The writings of James Madison, comprising his public papers and his private correspondence, including numerous letters and documents now for the first time printed. |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON. |
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 | The writings of James Madison, |  |
TO GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Dear Sir,—Your favor of the 5th instant found
me in Philada. whither I had proceeded, under arrangements
for proceeding to Virginia or returning
to this place, as I might there decide. I did not
acknowledge it in Philada., because I had nothing to
communicate which you would not receive more
fully and correctly from the Mr. Morrisis, who were
setting out for Virginia.
All my informations from Richmond concur in
as subsiding, and giving place to a spirit of
criticism. I was fearful of such an event from the
influence and co-operation of some of the adversaries.
I do not learn however that the cause has lost its
majority in the Legislature, and still less among the
people at large.
I have nothing to add to the information heretofore
given concerning the progress of the Constitution in
other States. Mr. Gerry has presented his objections
to the Legislature in a letter addressed to them,[29]
and
signified his readiness if desired, to give the particular
reasons on which they were founded. The Legislature
it seems decline the explanation, either from a
supposition that they have nothing further to do in
the business, having handed it over to the Convention,
or from an unwillingness to countenance Mr.
Gerry's conduct; or from both of these considerations.
It is supposed that the promulgation of this
letter will shake the confidence of some, and embolden
the opposition of others in that State; but I cannot
discover any ground for distrusting the prompt &
decided concurrence of a large majority.
I inclose herewith the 7 first numbers of the federalist,[30]
a paper addressed to the people of this State.
If the whole plan should be executed, it will present
to the public a full discussion of the merits of the proposed
Constitution in all its relations. From the
opinion I have formed of the views of a party in Virginia
I am inclined to think that the observations on
the first branch of the subject may not be superfluous
antidotes in that State, any more than in this. If
you concur with me, perhaps the papers may be put
into the hands of some of your confidential correspondents
at Richmond who would have them reprinted
there. I will not conceal from you that I am likely
to have such a degree of connection with the publication
here as to afford a restraint of delicacy from
interesting myself directly in the republication elsewhere.
You will recognize one of the pens concerned
in the task. There are three in the whole. A fourth
may possibly bear a part.
The intelligence by the packet as far as I have collected
it, is contained in the gazette of yesterday.
Virginia is the only State represented as yet.
When a Congress will be formed is altogether uncertain.
It is not very improbable I think that the
interregnum may continue throughout the winter.
With every sentiment of respect & attachment I
remain dear Sir ye affect.e & hble Servant.
"Ye Paper inclosed contained a piece signed Publius with which I
am extremely pleased, from his introduction I have the highest expectations
from him—If it would not impose too great a task upon you I
would request that his subsequent papers may be sent to me, the Nos.
written by an American Citizen have had good effects & with some
other pieces of merit have been printed in a small pamphlet for the
information of the people."—Archibald Stuart to Madison, Nov. 9,
1787. Mad. MSS. The first papers of the Federalist appeared over
the signature "A Citizen of New York," but afterwards the pseudonym
"Publius" was used. "An American Citizen" was the pseudonym of
Tench Coxe. Rev. James Madison of William and Mary wrote to
Madison that he was afraid the constitution of the Senate and Executive
would lead to aristocracy and tyranny; but Feb. 9, 1788,
he wrote that the papers of "Publius" had well nigh worked a conversion
in him.—Mad. MSS. Of the 85 papers of the Federalist
Madison wrote twenty-six, Nos. 10, 14, 18, 19, 20, 37, 38, 39,
40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 56, 62 and 63.
It has been disputed, however, that he wrote more than fourteen by
himself,—i. e., Nos. 10, 14, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 and
48, or had more than a joint authorship with Hamilton in Nos. 18, 19
and 20. (See Lodge's Federalist, introduction, and P. L. Ford in The
American Historical Review, ii., 675.) The other numbers given above
were, however, stated by Madison to be his (See post) and his right to be
considered their author has been conclusively established by Professor
Edward Gaylord Bourne in The American Historical Review, ii., 443, 682.
| The writings of James Madison, | |